Surveillance photo showing a suspect using a replica firearm during the commission of an armed robbery

Thank you to Laurel Sweet and Peter Gelzinis of the Boston Herald for their coverage of Police Commissioner William Evans’ push to outlaw replica firearms. In their articles, Sweet and Gelzinis highlight the dangers of carrying toy guns that appear to be authentic, as well as instances in which these replicas have been used to commit crimes and instill real fear into victims. Gelzinis emphasizes that it is an officer’s worst fear to be presented with one of these replicas and have to make the split-second “shoot or don’t shoot,” “real or fake” decision. For the complete coverage, click on the links below: